Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Summary:
Sorcerer Percival Endicott Whyborne and his husband Griffin Flaherty have enjoyed an unprecedented stretch of peace and quiet. Unfortunately, the calm is shattered by the arrival of a package from Griffin’s brother Jack, who has uncovered a strange artifact while digging for gold in Alaska. The discovery of a previously unknown civilization could revive the career of their friend Dr. Christine Putnam—or it might kill them all, if the hints of dark sorcery surrounding the find are true.

With Christine and her fiancé Iskander, Whyborne and Griffin must journey to the farthest reaches of the arctic to stop an ancient evil from claiming the life of Griffin’s brother. But in the rough mining camp of Hoarfrost, secrets fly as thickly as the snow, and Whyborne isn’t the only sorcerer drawn by the rumors of magic. Amidst a wilderness of ice and stone, Griffin must either face his greatest fear—or lose everyone he loves.

How is it possible that after all their adventures, Whyborne & Griffin keep getting better? I guess Miss Hawk really knows how to bring the chemistry between, not only our favorite couple, but also Griffin and his newly found brother, Christine and Iskander, and even how Iskander is fitting in with our heroic trio, to life. In Hoarfrost, as it was in Necropolis, we get to see Whyborne away from his element and home of Widdershins, not always a good thing but he deals with it as only Whyborne can. A story filled with passion, intrigue, mystery, and of course all the good and bad that defines paranormal. Of course, not everything or everyone is as black and white as it seems, there's always layers to sift through to find the truth. I loved seeing Griffin finally able to deal with his past, although watching him have to face his parents rejection is heartbreaking, having Whyborne and the little family they have soothes not only Griffin's heartache but the reader's too.

RATING:

“How many to a bed, did you say?” Whyborne asked, sounding a bit faint.

I put an expression of mild concern on my face, although in truth I wasn’t surprised in the slightest. Having been to many a frontier town—albeit never one so damnably cold—I’d guessed our accommodations would be a far cry from our hotel in Threshold, let alone Shepheard’s in Cairo. But, as with the scurvy, I’d neglected to mention the details when discussing it with Whyborne.

Not to suggest I’d truly wished to deceive him. Nor had I omitted things because I feared he would otherwise refuse to come. But Christine and I quietly agreed that this way, we would only have to listen to Whyborne’s complaints once we actually arrived, as opposed to the entire trip here.

“Four,” Iskander replied, rather apologetically. We stood in the cramped front room of the hotel, which doubled as a saloon and restaurant. Men sat at rough-hewn tables, and a few of the town’s women circulated among them. The air stank of wet wool, raw lumber, and unwashed bodies.

“Four,” Whyborne repeated.

“The beds aren’t narrow—they’re made extra wide,” Iskander offered. “They aren’t what one would call comfortable, and of course there’s the danger of lice, but they’re quite warm at least.”

Whyborne paled at the mention of lice. The color looked particularly bad when paired with the puce scarf.

“We’ve roughed it before,” I said, patting his arm. “Egypt was hardly a pleasure jaunt. And it is only for one night.”

“Don’t you worry,” Jack said. He gave Whyborne a bright grin. “St. Michael might be rough, but it’s no Skagway. None of these fellows will try to rob you in your sleep, I promise.”

Ival’s look of alarm confirmed my guess he hadn’t even considered the possibility until now. “Oh, do stop complaining, Whyborne,” Christine said. “We’re all exhausted, and standing about isn’t going to change things.”

“Easy for you to say,” he muttered. Christine would of course be bunking with the two or three other respectable—or mostly respectable—ladies who had come on the steamer with us. I suspected their small room in the back of the hotel would be far more comfortable than ours, if only because it wouldn’t be packed to the rafters with snoring men.

“Perhaps we should turn in,” Iskander suggested. “An early start and all that.”

“Yes, quite.” Christine looked as if she wished to say something further to him, but felt constrained by our presence. It must have been difficult, having been separated for so long, but unable to touch or speak openly without inviting scandal. At least Whyborne and I could slip away alone without causing comment.

Of course, once they married, Christine and Iskander would be expected to sleep in the same bed, and do so openly. I pressed my thumb against the heavy band on my left hand, the gold warm from the heat of my body. There was no reason to resent Christine; it was hardly her fault, and she’d been nothing if not staunchly loyal.

Still, it meant this trip would probably include an extended interlude of celibacy, unless we were exceedingly quick and discreet about things. Another fact I hadn’t mentioned to Whyborne.

Author Bio:

Jordan L. Hawk grew up in the wilds of North Carolina, where she was raised on stories of haints and mountain magic by her bootlegging granny and single mother. After using a silver knife in the light of a full moon to summon her true love, she turned her talents to spinning tales. She weaves together couples who need to fall in love, then throws in some evil sorcerers and undead just to make sure they want it bad enough. In Jordan’s world, love might conquer all, but it just as easily could end up in the grave.

Summary:
When it is time for souls to meet, there is nothing on earth that can prevent it from happening. That’s what Emma Finch realizes after her first encounter with Luke Myers. A confirmed bachelor and undercover cop, Luke has made his job his life. Since his first love died tragically in a car accident, Luke hasn’t been seriously interested in anyone … until he meets Emma.

Emma is navigating life after her husband of 24 years dies suddenly. Her days as a middle school guidance counselor are filled with hormonal teenagers, while her nights are interrupted by a dream stuck on repeat. A chance meeting with the mystifying detective at a Memorial Day barbeque leaves Emma staring into the same grey eyes that haunt her slumber night after night. She knows her dream will unlock a mystery, and that it’s somehow tied to the tattooed, pierced law-enforcer.

As Emma and Luke’s beautiful love story develops, Emma’s dreams become more frequent and frightening. She’s completely convinced that the enigmatic couple she dreams about each night shares an undeniable connection to Luke and his current undercover assignment. Emma and Luke’s bond is so powerful, they both wonder if maybe they’ve met before. What they learn is that time has a wonderful way of showing them what really matters, and that the universe works in mysterious ways.

Chapter 16 – Luke
I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You
“Emma, come with us. Scott and I want you to sing with us tonight!” Rebecca grabs Emma’s hand and begins to drag her onto the stage. Looking back at me, she can only shrug her shoulders and smile. I have absolutely no idea what to expect once they’re on stage, but everyone in our party is watching the two of us very closely.
Emma is front and center on stage flanked on both sides by Scott and Rebecca. When the music begins, Emma looks at both of them with a shock and trepidation. It’s obvious she knows the music and she seems a little irritated with her friends for choosing it. Rebecca begins to sing the opening, but then stops, encouraging Emma to continue the song. Beginning the song quietly, she seems a little nervous. After the first few lines though, her voice picks up and she sings every word loud and clear. And here’s the thing, her eyes never leave mine. Not once. She’s singing this song to me. The words begin to sound familiar as she sings a few lines about seeing her future and finding her best friend. As the chorus begins, I clearly remember this is the Savage Garden song, I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You.
Still seated, I’m fixated on my girl. I can’t move. My smile is so big my face actually hurts. Her voice is a bit timid, but very sweet and completely intoxicating. I think Shane just punched me and he’s laughing. Katie just gave me a few pats on my back, but I can’t shake my gaze away from Emma.
When Emma begins the second verse I know she’s telling me she’s loves me. But this is her birthday – so I have to tell her tonight. As she nears the end of the second verse, I’m up and out of my seat. I walk to the stage and stand directly in front of her. I’m not even sure I remember anyone else is in the room and I’m pretty sure Emma’s forgotten about the rest of the world, too. She no longer seems embarrassed about singing at all – and I’m one hundred percent sure she’s singing every word of this song directly to me.
When the second chorus begins, I’m not exactly sure how to explain what comes over me. Emma and her friends haven’t finished the song yet, but I know the moment is now. Emma’s eyes follow me the entire way as I reach for her. As soon as there is a break in the chorus, I pull her from her perch and drop the microphone on the stage. With my arms firmly wrapped around her, I drag her around to a corner spot between the kitchen and bathrooms. I know, not the most romantic spot – but this cannot wait. Pushing her firmly against the wall, I cannot get enough of her. My tongue rams its way into her mouth and she responds with the same level urgency. For the next minute, I have a full-on make-out session with my girl.
In the hall.
Next to the bathrooms.
In a bar.
And I still cannot get enough of her. I can still hear her friends singing the end of the song and others asking over the music where I took her. My time is running out. It’s now or never. My heart feels like it’s going to beat right out of my chest and I can’t seem to find enough air for my lungs. “Emma … I … damn!” And my tongue is in her mouth again. Slowing my kisses, I pull my hands up to cup her face and pause briefly to find my composure. “Emma … I … I love you. I didn’t realize how much until tonight. You mean everything to me. I know this has happened really fast, but I know this is right. I love you, sweetheart – so much.”
Kissing me tenderly on the lips, her mouth breaks into a full megawatt smile, “Luke, honey, best birthday gift ever! I love you, too.”

What Others are Saying:
Finally… characters I understand, with a twist that’s sure to blow your mind. – Amazon Customer

This was a sweet love story, with a past life twist - that will keep you guessing the whole way - and give you hope that there may be a chance for love a second time around. – Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The plot twist alone is incredible. I am going to impatiently wait for the next book from this talented author. – Goodreads User

Detective Isaac Miller, became a cop because of his. As the new director of The Cyber Crimes Division, Detective Miller doesn’t have time for a relationship. He’s drowning in missing kid cases that never end well. Looking for solace in a dark world, Isaac is drawn to the mysterious Mia and the warm light of her family.

Single mother, Mia James, is ashamed of hers. In an effort to protect her own heart from the searing pain of rejection, she no longer believes in a happily ever after, claiming to love her independence. She sees beyond the here and now, but rarely understands her newfound gift. Her visions are spot on for everyone else, but never light her own path. What begins as a casual friendship with Isaac, blossoms into an unexpected change of heart. Mia’s attraction to him is as powerful as each new vision.

But when Mia’s visions tie Isaac’s missing kid cases to the Russian Mob and one bizarre ATM, a new mystery evolves. Isaac and his team thought they’d shut down the port to human trafficking for good. Little did they know the big fish was lying low, ready to rear his ugly head again.

No longer able to deny her love for Isaac, Mia has to decide – will she open her heart and mind in order to bring an end to these horrific crimes and risk losing Isaac? Or together can Isaac and Mia see the vision, trust the process, and let their hearts be the compass?

Author Bio:

BA Dillon is a devoted wife and mother of two grown children, and a dedicated middle school teacher. Writing has always been an outlet for Dillon as she believes words are both powerful and magical. Tethered Through Time is Dillon’s debut novel, with two companion novels on the horizon. Dillon also writes a monthly column, “Turn the Page,” for the magazine 85 South, Out and About. As an avid, passionate reader Dillon gets deeply invested in books, especially if they are full of great dialogue between believable characters. She loves music, words, books, and martinis!

One of the prophesized Seven Sisters of the Pleiades, her touch could heal or kill, but once touched, a man was forever obsessed. Talia Martin had lived a life of isolated loneliness by necessity. She was the government’s secret weapon, brought out, dusted off and, once again, put into service to save captured Navy Seals.

A man betrayed by love

Secret Service Special Agent Nickolas Pane didn’t know when he had been more devastated. Even the infidelity of his ex hadn’t shaken him like discovering his kid brother was MIA, captured by the Taliban in Iraq. Then – a mysterious proposal – an opportunity to rescue his brother and the other Seals on the special ops team. He would die to have her and kill to keep her.

She could find his brother, but had to touch Nickolas to do so. Undercover as man and wife, they traveled across the world, insatiable passion flaring between them. While Talia knew this was a mission from which she would not return, her death would free the man she had come to love. Nickolas, determined to bring her back or die trying, desired her more than life itself. He would never release her, or live without her.

#1
“I have to secure our quarters,” Nickolas informed her, taking her by the shoulders and setting her back from him.
“We’re alone,” she assured him.
Alone….Oh god… Swallowing hard, he forced himself away from her, pulled his Beretta from his shoulder holster and secured every room before returning. She was still standing in the living room where he had left her.
“Do you feel better now?” Talia asked with a small smile kicking off her pumps.
Better? Not hardly. How could a woman removing her shoes be so damn sexy? She walked up to him and started unbuttoning his shirt. When he clamped his big hand over hers to still her action, she looked up into his eyes questioningly.
“Are you going to be able to sleep with that ‘not-your-gun’ in your pants?” she asked, glancing down at his tented suit slacks.
“Probably not. No.” Even though he was in a serious hurt, he had to smile at her comment. His smile rapidly faded, however, when she resumed unbuttoning his shirt. “Talia, baby,” he implored, wrapping his hand around her busy little fingers, “I have zero control, I don’t want to run the risk of hurting you.”
“I’m not as fragile as I look. I promise I won’t break, Nickolas,” she whispered, looking deeply into his eyes.
“Ah shit, baby,” he groaned, sweeping her up and carrying her to the bedroom. He could no more stop himself now than he could stop breathing. He had to have her. She wrapped her arms around his thick neck and nuzzled against it, as his long, determined strides carried her to the bed. He had to make it to the bed, damn it, he was not going to take her on the floor – or against the wall, or…..

#2
When Talia woke, she found Nickolas showered and dressed in dark suit pants and a dress shirt. He was sitting in the chaise lounge, looking at her with flaming hot, ice-blue eyes. She realized she had never felt so safe or slept so well – hadn’t even woken up when he left the bed. She’d never imagined she would be able to sleep with another person present, much less in a man’s arms.
“Did I oversleep?” she asked drowsily.
“No, ma’am,” he responded, to which she raised an arched blonde eyebrow.
“Agent Pane, I presume?” she asked with a small, cool smile.
“For now,” he said, smiling tightly.
“Hmm.” She stood from the bed, naked, and stretched, then turned and sashayed toward her room, her luscious ass peeking from behind her long, tousled hair. He was on her in a minute. Grabbing her from behind and lifting her off her feet, he crushed her naked body against his chest and buried his face in her sleep-warmed neck.
“You’re playing with fire, woman,” he whispered into her hair, then bit down on the cords in her neck.
“Is it Nickolas now?” she asked breathlessly as he carried her back to the bed, laid her down on her back, and then rose over her, pinning her hands above her head.
“I’ll be whoever I have to be in order to keep that sweet ass of yours safe,” he growled down at her, searching her face. “Do you understand?” She could feel his erection pressing into her bare stomach from behind his wool suit pants.
He’d been in every sort of agony imaginable – waking up with her beautiful naked body wrapped around his. How the fuck was he going to protect her if he couldn’t keep his hands off of her? He’d gotten up, taken a cold shower and dressed, before torturing himself further watching her sleep in his bed.
Nickolas knew he'd never been so out of control. If he had a brain in his head, he would turn her over to another agent, but the thought of another man close enough to guard her drove him into a killing rage. Damn, but he was in a world of hurt here, and her life lay in the balance.

#3
“What am I to you, Talia?” he asked, straightening up and moving closer to her. He crowded her between the big master where her suitcase lay open and his big masterful body where his heart lay open and bleeding.
“That’s not the point,” she evaded.
“Oh, but it’s exactly the point. Yes, I know your track record, as you call it, and I also know I was your first lover. Where does that leave you?”
She dropped her gaze to the suitcase and continued folding the T-shirt. It was incredibly soft, clearly high quality. She could tell he’d put a lot of thought into all he'd purchased for her. Fighting tears, she simply shook her head, not wanting to let him see her heart was breaking.
“Look at me, Talia,” Nickolas demanded.
She shook her head, not looking up. She wouldn’t even meet his eyes. It broke him. He swept the suitcase from the bed with one powerful arm. It sailed across the room and crashed against the opposite wall, causing her to flinch.
“I won’t let you walk away from me, not now, not ever. Do you hear me?”
“And I won’t spend the rest of my life being your debilitating addiction. You deserve better than that.”
“You’re not my damned addiction,” he countered.
“Nickolas, think. All the signs are there, you’re jealous, possessive and controlling. You protect me like a dragon hording its treasure. Those are signs of addiction.”
“I’ll tell you what you are to me, woman, you’re my god damned wife, legal and binding,” he shouted, grabbing her by both wrists and pulling her to him.
“Wife?” She couldn’t have heard him right.
“Wife. We were declared common law.”
“Why?”
“So I could gain custody of you and keep you from spending the rest of your life vegging away in some damned institution. So I could take care of you, so I could bring you home where you, by fucking god, belong,” he raged.
“Why would you tie yourself to me like that? Dr. Wilkinson must have told you I probably wouldn’t ever recover. Did you feel like you owed me because of Daniel?”
“I can never repay you for what you did for Daniel.”
“We can get this fixed, we can get an annulment,” she pleaded.
“I tied you to me because that’s exactly where I want you. There will be no damned annulment!” he roared, lifting and all but throwing her on the bed. Covering her with his massive frame, he held both her hands over her head in one powerful fist, wrapped the other in her braid at the back of her neck to control her, and ravaged her mouth.
She whimpered and squirmed underneath him, driving him into a frenzy of lust. He would have her. He, by god, would make her his, the only way he knew how.
Releasing her braid, he ripped her gown from her body, spilling out her gorgeous breasts. Damn, he’d missed them. The sight of their perfection stole his breath. Cupping one pink tipped globe, he lowered his mouth to the other, suckling as if his life depended on it while she continued to struggle.
“Please,” she begged. If he kept this up, she would never be able to leave him.

Nickolas Pane played by Kevin Costner

Talia Martin played by Diane Kruger

Author Bio:
Having been brought up overseas and living with local families in many cultures, Cahira O’Donnell has a rich history to draw upon. Throughout her life and her travels she has been a dedicated student of shamanism and an explorer of the esoteric realms. Being psychic herself, Cahira’s real-life experiences with the supernatural infuses her paranormal romance writing with profound accuracy.
Armed with her history, combined with a degree in Psychology and a deep understanding of human nature, Cahira creates stories that are engaging, dynamic, realistic and boldly erotic.
Cahira now lives in the beautiful mountains of Colorado where she enjoys a quiet home, beautiful scenery and immersing herself in the art of storytelling.

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